55.2-59 door seals scientific data 55-59

[slammed57]

Well maybe not scientific, but its my data I learned through my observation.
I installed the new soffseals door seals back in pre body work stage. I fought with it like everyone else, (could barley get the first door latch to catch) pushed the truck in and out of the garage for 6 months to let it sit out in the Florida summer heat. It did a little better. but still far from acceptable. so I Noticed that the lower corners of the doors (where the seals did a 90 degree where they bond the seals together) it was like a rock. I can only compress it maybe 1/16 of a inch. So I cut those out on each side, It was a tremendous difference, the doors closed great. But still a 1/4 inch from being flush with the cab. I cut the bottom off of the seals and it was 1/16" off. I then proceeded to split the jambs and brought them out so the door and cab was perfect. I moved on to the body work. I left the doors and seal and front fender and did all the body work as one panel ( came out laser straight) .NOW, fast forward after paint ,cut and polished . I installed NEW soffseals since the old one had body filler and primer all over them. After installed and shut the door of course I had all the same issue. So I cut the 90 corners out and helped out a bunch . I pushed the truck in and out into the sun for the past 4-5 months....helped a little but not much......so I found that cutting the whole seal out of the bottom and it was dead on. You can see in 2 pics below where i have the old seal and new seal side by side and you can see how much the old one shrinks over time. I hope this helps some folks for I would see post after post with this issue......as for the bottom seals . Steele rubber has a whole slew of universal seals, I will find one to fill that void and graff it in with the original seal

[slammed57]

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[bosco]

First off, your doors look great. You can see the effort made getting the fitment just right. We got mine as close as they will be, without major door work. We did use Steele Rubber door seals, and they relaxed after a few weeks and close great (these are the original pics, and they have gotten even better). Definitely look at Steele Rubber for their universal seals so you can graft in material.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by bosco

First off, your doors look great. You can see the effort made getting the fitment just right. We got mine as close as they will be, without major door work. We did use Steele Rubber door seals, and they relaxed after a few weeks and close great (these are the original pics, and they have gotten even better). Definitely look at Steele Rubber for their universal seals so you can graft in material.

It looks like the door is hanging a bit low, compared to the cab lines. Maybe its just the camera angle.

[bosco]

Originally Posted by daveshilling

It looks like the door is hanging a bit low, compared to the cab lines. Maybe its just the camera angle.

Don't disagree. It's the best my shop to get before major work. Will address when we repaint, but not for a while.